Looking for the best snorkeling in Tulum?
You’ve come to the right place!
The best places to snorkel in Mexico are on two different seas, the Pacific and the Cortez. Though the Yucatan peninsula (where Tulum is located) has colorful marine life.
We prepared a list of recommendations for you. Which includes the most important things like prices, dates, packages, private tours, etc.
Read on to learn more about the best places to snorkel in Tulum!
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1. Gran Cenote
The Gran Cenote is a place where everyone would be surprised. It is located 10 kilometers from the Tulum ruins and has 140 square meters to swim freely. Also, there are wooden platforms where you can walk, take pictures, and enjoy nature.
Check out the reviews, and prices (quite cheap). Book your place in a completely safe way. Most include transportation from your hotel!
2. Grand Bahia Principe Tulum
This option fits into the category of free snorkeling in Tulum. Full of reefs with a great variety of Caribbean fish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and tangs.
The site has a public gate that allows you to walk to the beach or you can stay at the Grand Bahia Principe Tulum hotel (same name haha). Consider this option if you come with family and kids.
3. Dos Ojos Cenote
Dos Ojos Cenote is classified as the Best cenote in Tulum for snorkeling. Due to its long ecosystem of underwater caves. Named this way because it has two 70-meter diameter sinkholes that connect a 400-meter-long path.
You must be prepared to have a good experience and avoid getting nervous, I tell you from experience! Dive and snorkel in Tulum with a certified guide.
4. Catalonia Royal Tulum Snorkeling
Within the snorkeling spots, there are also options that you can only access through a hotel. This is one of them, although you could get there on your own it would be very complicated. So the best thing to do is spend a vacation at Catalina Royal Tulum and inside the hotel look for the snorkeling & diving station to rent the equipment.
5. Jardin del Eden Cenote
Things to do in Tulum, this is usually a weekend getaway. The atmosphere is very family and friendly. I could describe it as a theme park with a cenote.
There are amenities such as Lockers for your belongings, a beverage and food store, snorkel equipment rental, restaurant, among other things. A great option if you are looking for comfort. Before you go read the reviews on TripAdvisor.
6. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve & Punta Allen
A natural area with thousands of species of flora and fauna, making it a national reserve since 1986. Also, one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. This is perhaps the most popular cenote snorkeling in Tulum.
Personally, I think it’s one of the most unique things to do in Tulum if you’re a marine and nature lover.
You can snorkel in a Mayan channel full of animals such as turtles, dolphins, and more than 500 species of fish. There is also a route to learn about the Mayan accent, as well as a route to enjoy the sunset along with the diversity of birds.
Here you can find more information, and frequently asked questions, among other things.
7. Casa Cenote
This may be the ideal plan for a day trip. The price is $8 per person and you have complete freedom to explore. I recommend having previous experience, so not your first time snorkeling.
The access is located next to the Blue Sky Hotel & Restaurant, so after swimming for a while it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go for lunch. Do you have any doubts about how to get there? Check out the packages with transportation.
8. Soliman Bay
Soliman Bay is one of the best snorkeling near Tulum, located just 16 km north of the town. Is a residential community that lives in peace and harmony. Although you can enter without any problem, you must respect the rules of the area.
There are hotels with restaurants around the spot where you can consume food and have drinks. The most ideal thing is to go early because once getting dark you won’t know how to get out of there. For reef snorkeling in Tulum, this option is completely free.
9. Playa Maya Public Beach
Playa Maya Public beach is for sunbathing, snorkeling (although you are not guaranteed to see much marine life), and spending the afternoon. To get there you can take a bus or rent a motorcycle.
What you might find in this place is business. On the side of the streets, you will find food stalls, lounge chairs, snacks, etcetera.
10. Tankah Bay
Located 20 kilometers from Tulum. The area is well-known for the mesoamerican barrier reef, crystal clear water, and beautiful tropical scenery. It’s like a beach with everything, nothing will be missing in your adventure.
This is an ideal place to snorkel if only 1 or 2 people in your family want to explore the area. Because while some of them rest in the restaurant eating and watching the sea, you can go straight to discover marine life! Get more information.
Best snorkeling near Tulum
But at the end of the day, are you looking to go the extra mile? Then you should consider the following places. Whether you need to take the bus, pay for a cab, or hire private transport.
Akumal
Akumal has the #1 ranking for outdoor activities in the Riviera Maya on TripAdvisor. Moreover, there is the Great Mayan Reef full of fish and sea turtles. The cost is inexpensive, you can find excursions for $45 (with a driver from the hotel).
Caleta Yalku
Caleta Yalku is a relaxing place to sunbathe with your partner. The place has a restaurant with light food, tropical resting cabanas, and hammocks. To get here you have to reserve your spot on the official website.
Cozumel
Cozumel is a very famous island in Mexico. As you can imagine, you must take a ferry to get there or a small boat. Around Cozumel, there are crazy reefs like Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo. Reserve your spot for less than $50.
If you are wondering, Is there good snorkeling in Tulum? I think you already have the answer… Of course, there is!
Tulum has plenty of cenotes, reefs, and marine animals. If you come to the Riviera Maya you should not miss this opportunity, it’s an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Don’t forget to use sunscreen because if you don’t you will get too tanned haha! Enjoy these places which are recognized as Mexico’s main tourist attractions.
